Catching Up

Eden and I are at the ranch this week for a little R&R and family time. This has been an especially good trip because we also brought my nephew, Zachary. They have had so much fun together... and of course, I forgot my camera cord, so I can't upload any pictures while we are here.

In the mean time, since I've been a little absent lately, I will update you on some other things Eden has been enjoying lately. My goal is to include some of her favorite music as well.

This is her favorite Friday morning activity: Therapy with Cindy!






She is gaining lots of core strength and endurance... a few of the things she was lacking after her heart transplant.

Pre-School Trial

Eden experienced "school" for the first time today. She is in the process of potentially transitioning into pre-school, as she finally came off a waiting list for Montessori school. (In Denver, or at least our neighborhood and surrounding areas, youngsters can wait for years to get the opportunity to attend pre-school.) Today was just 3 hours (9-12), but that was plenty for both she and I!

Eden has talked about this day for weeks. She was awake by 5am this morning and waiting by the door by 7. 'Excited' is a grand understatement for her feelings this morning.

Here she is leaving the house: (I had trouble getting a shot where she was subdued enough to recognize her face.)




As we pulled up to the school she said, "It's okay Mom (not Mommy!), you can drop me off here." I reassured her that I would be going in to see her room and meet her teacher. Then, as soon as we got out of the car it was a whole different story. No more tough girl. See the apprehension in her expression:



Once inside, the tears began to fall. She was eventually pulled off my body and taken out to meet the kids on the play ground. I guess she warmed up to a few other girls and stuck close by their sides. She whimpered on and off. I went home and paced the living room. It was a very long 3 hours for us both.

The first thing she said to me after waking from her nap... "I want to go back to school!"

The Up Side

Eden's new found "independence" has a few positives... we have found some jobs that she loves to do:

Brush my hair...





and get Daddy a beer...






to name a few. Real chores are coming soon!

Who's The Boss? Dr. Rubin

Eden and I have been battling over our "positions" in the family lately. She is quite certain that she should be in charge and with her growing negotiation skills, she is starting to convince me (not really).

I shed a few tears with her pediatrician last week. Can you believe that I actually made an appt. for parenting advice? It sounds a little pathetic, I guess, but if you knew Dr. Rubin, you too would be visiting him as much as possible. As you can imagine, he has gotten to know our family pretty well over the last three years. This was not the first time, nor will it be the last, that I go see him for a parenting boost of confidence.

Eden has never had the typical childhood illnesses. In fact, she has only taken an antibiotic once (a couple of months ago), so he very rarely even prescribed medicine. Doesn't sound much like a doctor?... oh, he's much more! He talked me through Eden's first days in the hospital, he listened while I complained about her multiple feeling issues, and he hugged me while I cried waiting for genetic testing results. I always left his office convinced that I could take care of Eden (for at least another couple of weeks).

This time I left his office with more than just a hug and a swing in my step. I am now armoured with the 1,2,3's of discipline... Watch out Eden, Mommy's back in charge! Now where's my camera?











--- Photos by Eden Raine ---

Home from Paradise

Brian and I had a bitter-sweet return from Hawaii. Luckily, Eden was drawing us home, otherwise I don't know how we would have ever left!



We had a wonderful vacation in every way. It still surprises me how well it all went. Most importantly, Eden survived without us - more than survived, she thrived! - and Brian and I learned that we still really do love each others company (you start to wonder after sharing yourself with a child and her many needs).

To summarize:
Hawaii is amazing!! Why on earth was I so hesitant?

We had perfect weather,



stayed in a beautiful resort,



ate some phenomenal food,



relaxed on the most spectacular beaches I've ever seen,



even fit in a little adventure.





And we slept like babies!



Likewise, Eden was on a vacation of her own.

She was pampered at the spa,



ate like never before (even with chopsticks!),



swam,



danced,



played,



and crashed at the end of each day.



Boy was she full of stories on our drive home.

Plug for the Cito's:
Nicole and her family went above and beyond in caring for Eden. They welcomed her into their family and loved her like one of their own. They gave her a week that she can't stop talking about and wouldn't accept any sort of payment. I tear up when I think of their amazing generosity... all because they believed Brian and I deserved a break. We will be thanking them forever!